Kara Hite is the breeder behind the Cedar Key Beagles. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, the sires, the dams, the puppies, and much more!
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Kara Hite: I live in Bronson, Florida, and Gordonsville, Virginia. I’ve been in dogs for over 40 years, but more recently with Beagles for four years. Since I’m a relatively new breeder, I appreciate having connections to other breeders and mentors, to continue to learn and develop my eye as a breeder.
Kara Hite: My kennel name is Cedar Key Beagles. I currently keep four Beagles and three Labrador Retrievers.
Kara Hite: I was gifted with Filipino Hall of Fame Champion Chaucer Hadassah in 2019 from my dear friend, Leilani Ayala-Villorente of Chaucer Kennels. Hadassah quickly finished her AKC Championship and became my foundation bitch. And all of this goes back to just offering to take care of one of Lani’s Beagles at the 2018 Westminster KC Dog Show. That night was my first introduction to the breed and I fell in love with Lani’s girl, “Pearl,” who got to visit with me for one night before heading off to Thailand.
My second most noteworthy winner is my current special, GCHB Cedar Key Another Round of Chaucer (GCH Milroc Quest for Swagger x CH Chaucer Hadassah).
Kara Hite: As a new breeder, I am still learning and working to perfect the look I want while making sure that movement remains true to the breed. I have been very fortunate to have access to great Beagle breeders and mentors in Oleg Voloshin (Pun Kotzky) and Jon Woodring (Lanbur).
Kara Hite: I like to have the stud dog owner be involved in the litter evaluation, as well as breeders of other breeds of dogs. This gives you a good overview of what you have structurally, and also phenotype.
Kara Hite: My Beagles have participated in Fast CAT events and have started practicing in Barn Hunts. We are looking forward to testing a few out with the new Beagle Hunting Performance Instinct test.
From my last litter of Beagles, I only kept one as a show prospect as I was happy to offer up three of the puppies to Therapy and Service homes. Two of these puppies are residents in the Waynesboro Public School system in Virginia where they help children learn, and another is being trained for epilepsy detection.
Kara Hite: Since I have two puppies in the public school system as Therapy Dogs, I can attest that the breed gets along well with children.
Kara Hite: Beagles are the best snugglers!
Kara Hite: Find a great mentor, someone you can ask questions of and get real honest responses. Be open to critiquing and feedback from others!
Kara Hite: My foundation bitch, “Hadassah,” is her own locksmith. No ex-pen or single latch crate door is safe from her. She can even open an Impact Crate door from the outside to let her friends out to play with her!
Sorry I didn’t answer all of the questions! Some of them, I think, are best answered by those who have been in the breed far longer than I have!
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?
Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
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